In a world filled with turmoil, our hearts ache for those who suffer unspeakable hardships, and we seek to understand as well as to help, however we are able. Today I have the privilege of speaking with Charmaine Hedding about the incredible efforts to rescue persecuted Christians and vulnerable families amidst the chaos in Afghanistan, South Sudan, Israel and Gaza, and many other places. Our conversation is about humility, courage, gratitude, and practical support for those facing persecution and hardship. Charmaine Hedding, President of the Shai Fund, shares her harrowing journey negotiating funds and organizing evacuation planes to rescue over 2,100 members of the Afghan underground church. Despite terrible conditions and threats from the Taliban, their unwavering courage prevailed. She also shares about remarkable efforts in South Sudan, among other places. These extraordinary efforts exemplify the resilience and determination of those fighting for freedom and faith in the face of immense danger. But the battle is far from over. Charmaine emphasizes the ongoing need for practical and financial support for these persecuted individuals. She tells me about the pivotal role of financial assistance for security, travel, legal aid, and resettlement, underscoring the urgent need to pressure governments to allow sponsorship of asylum seekers and refugees. Our prayers and practical support can make a world of difference. The conversation also turned to the current situation in Israel, with Charmaine calling for prayers amidst violent attacks and a hostage situation. As we pray for peace and safety, let us remember that our prayers are interconnected with our willingness to offer tangible support.

If I were to summarize some key takeaways from my time with Charmaine, here are some things I would choose to remember:

1. Embrace humility and wisdom in serving others, as seen in the hidden, effective work of humanitarian efforts.

2. When faced with challenges or persecution, remain committed to saying "yes" to God's will and direction in your life.

3. Stand with courage and compassion for the marginalized, especially women facing societal restrictions and persecution for their faith.

4. Choose to live with gratitude and hope, knowing that God can do a new thing in your life and in the world.

5. Acknowledge first-world privileges and use them as a reminder to advocate and support those facing greater hardships.

6. Empower and support persecuted individuals and communities with practical resources, including financial aid, sharing information about relevant organizations, and investing time and talent in helping those in need.

7. Find inspiration in the unwavering faith and resilience of persecuted Christians, letting their courage guide your own faith journey.

8. Work towards practical support for persecuted communities, recognizing the importance of both prayer and tangible assistance.

MAKE SURE TO CONNECT WITH CHARMAINE AT https://www.theshaifund.org/

Let me tell you a little bit about the Shai Fund. First, the word Shai in Hebrew means Gift. And the Fund's mission is to support those who are affected by war, conflict, disaster, persecution, and exploitation. And they do that by partnering with local communities that provide urgent aid, practical support, and, yes, humanitarian assistance.

Since 2014, the Shai Fund has directly assisted over 170,000 people with practical, immediate assistance, and they've created job opportunities and sustainable futures for thousands. My guest, Charmaine, is the founder and president. She oversees their global operations, strategy, and partnerships. She's worked for 2 decades in development management for the nonprofit sector, which is why she is so well suited to her current role for the Shai Fund. Her focus is the protection of persecuted minorities in the Middle East and in Africa. She also advocates for freedom of religion and belief, and the Shay Fund has been instrumental in helping so many, Christians who are persecuted for their faith. She's served on the ground responding to foreign disasters, humanitarian aid projects. She's designed and implemented emergency relief development programs, All of that for the protection of people at risk in complex emergencies, war, conflict. She used to work in the business sector. She's going to tell us how she moved out of it because of God's clear calling. This conversation will encourage, bless and challenge you.

 

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You are invited to join us on the Gospel Spice Prayer Bible Study, titled "The heart behind prayer" starting September 20, 2025! Details and registration here: https://www.gospelspice.com/prayer 

There are a few things in our Christian life that we know we should do more, or at least better – and prayer just might top the list. Prayer is a mystery. Why would a conversation with a human have any influence on God’s eternal, sovereign plan? It defies logic, and beckons love. How can God, the Almighty Lord of Hosts, be this close, this personal? It defies understanding, and beckons involvement.

But, lack of time, inspiration, and discipline, combined with the ruthless tyranny of our busy lives, push prayer to the periphery, to the “one day I’ll get to it” pile. And yet, we can excel at what we endeavor to undertake. So, why isn’t prayer more of a spiritual priority? Could we develop a mindset around prayer that made it attractive, inspiring, even maybe delightful? What if we attuned our spiritual ears to listen to God, and our spiritual eyes to see His provision?

As an unassuming student, I’m going to humbly offer to share the little I have learned from others about the joy of prayer. I will give us theology, practical tips, and useful resources, sharing what works for me as we, together, learn to pray.

If you find prayer intimidating, or if your lack of prayer makes you feel guilty or “less than,” then this is the place for you! If you have been a student of prayer for many years, this is the place for you too! If you have breath in your lungs, then prayer can become one of the deepest joys of your day. Don’t miss out!

A PERSPECTIVE ABOUT PRAYER

To pray is to believe that God not only hears, but that He responds. It is to stand in the gap for a broken world, wielding the authority of Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and trusting in the goodness of the Father. The question is not whether prayer works, but whether we are willing to pray the kinds of prayers that invite God’s Kingdom into the darkest places of the earth—and of our own hearts.

We may never fully understand the mechanics of prayer, or how it intersects with God's sovereignty, but we are not called to understand everything. We are called to be faithful. And faithfulness means showing up—in prayer, in persistence, in expectation.

So today, let us pray not only for the comfort of our hearts, but for the transformation of the world. Let us take our place as image-bearers, co-laborers, and co-heirs. Let us believe that God is still listening—and still acting. Because He is.

There’s only one way to find out what might happen when we truly pray like this.

Let’s begin.

THE MINDSET BEHIND THIS COURSE

Before we begin, let me tell you the obvious: I don’t really know how to pray. I’m a humble student and absolute beginner at the holy endeavor that is prayer. So, this course isn’t really about what I’ve learned, or any wisdom I might have gathered. But, I’ve sat at the feet of many prayer warriors over the decades, through books and teachings.

So, I’ll share what I learned from them. Humility is going to be our primary heart posture! With each lesson, I will offer a few thoughts, practices, and ideas – with much humility, and not taking myself too seriously. I will also share her favorite books and resources about prayer. FInally, I will introduce you to some of the most influential prayer warriors of our history as the Body of Christ.

Most importantly, I will invite YOU to pray! Learning to pray comes from praying. Our humble ambition is to inspire you to pray, and to give you a few tips on how to do that. Then, it’s up to you! Prayer is a lifelong endeavor. Let’s make it delightful together!

So, let’s get started.

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